Waterway Point: Same same, but Different

Previously, we talked about VivoCity, a mall at Habourfront, who is one of the top five Malls in Singapore.

They have high traffic flow, a great variety of stores ranging from F&B to retail.

Similar to VivoCity, we have Punggol Waterway Point, note the following food and beverage outlets that they have in common: London Duck, Starbucks, Macdonalds, and many more. Starbucks and macdonalds are considered to be chain outlets, so the surprise isn't really there.

However, London duck only has a few outlets in Singapore, and both malls have it. Another surprising observation, is the high traffic volume the restaurant has, at both locations; at mid-peak hours. Peak hours for Malls are usually lunch break for office goers, from 1230-1330, however; London duck at both locations has a high traffic volume even at 1130, for a restaurant with a pricy tag. Also, the differences in demographics between Vivocity, who caters to tourist, and office goers, and Punggol Waterway Point, a mall nestled within the Punggol Heartlands for officer goers and families; left us bewildered over why both malls are able to attract crowds to this particular high end restaurant.

Similarly, in Vivocity, we had Toss & Turn salads that caters to office goers, Punggol Waterway Point has a Cedele, which offers similar food items; and is a part of Toss & Turn. Interestingly, Toss & Turn attracted a crowd during the lunch hours, while Cedele at was rather empty.

Both malls have high traffic volumes, but what do you think really draws the crowds there?